The American Library Association (ALA) announced today a new column in American Libraries magazine, “Field Guides.” Featuring experts in policy areas ranging from artificial intelligence and copyright to digital access and equity, the new column will provide ALA members, library advocates, and library professionals in all settings with insights into the policy issues facing the field today – and tomorrow.
Developed and stewarded by ALA’s Public Policy and Advocacy Office, this bi-monthly column begins publication today, March 4, 2024, with a piece by Lorcan Dempsey, Professor of Practice and Distinguished Practitioner in Residence at the University of Washington's Information School, exploring the implications of artificial intelligence technologies in the library arena. Dempsey dives into the practical ways libraries can handle and advocate on issues involving large language models and artificially generated content, including what types of trainings are needed for staff members to better understand the short- and long-term effects of the technologies.
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